MISUARI LOSES RACE FOR SULU GOVERNOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 001701 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2017 TAGS: PGOV PINS PREL RP SUBJECT: MISUARI LOSES RACE FOR SULU GOVERNOR REF: A. MANILA 1534 ¶B. MANILA 1366 ¶C. MANILA 1243 ¶D. MANILA 1187 Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Detained Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari failed in his bid to become governor of Sulu. The Commission on Elections proclaimed Misuari's opponent -- traditional politician and wealthy businessman Abdusakur Tan -- as winner of the May 14 gubernatorial election, amid claims from observers and members of the MNLF of widespread cheating. End Summary. -------------- Misuari's Political Rally Fizzles -------------- ¶2. (C) According to MNLF Attorney Jainal, Misuari's political campaign for Sulu Governor (ref a) received very little attention in the local press, radio, or television. Jainal claimed that all four radio stations in Jolo City were closed during Misuari's only political rally, which -- for security purposes -- took place within the Philippine National Police (PNP) compound on May 12. Misuari publicly stressed the importance of peace to Sulu's economic and social progress, promised good governance and transparency, and indirectly attacked his two political opponents -- former Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and incumbent Governor Benjamin Loong - for allegedly embezzling Internal Revenue Allotment funds. Jainal noted that Misuari made no mention of rogue MNLF Commander Habier Malik, who remains on the run, aided by small groups of other MNLF members. ¶3. (C) Jainal commented that many visitors lined up at the PNP compound throughout the day on May 13 to meet with Misuari. According to Jainal, Misuari was "delighted" after five years of detention in Metro Manila to receive so many guests, and told one elderly ethnic Tausug supporter "while I am still useful, use me; if I get tired, push me." -------------- Abdusakur Tan Proclaimed Winner -------------- ¶4. (U) The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has proclaimed Abdusakur Tan as the new Sulu Governor, despite claims from observers of widespread cheating. During a press interview, Chairman of the Bangsamoro Congress and senior MNLF member Habib Zain Jali called upon COMELEC to void the election results due to alleged electoral fraud. ¶5. (C) Jainal described Tan as a "traditional" politician/businessman from Maimbung and as the wealthiest ethnic Tausug in Sulu. Tan reportedly owns at least five oil depots within Zamboanga and the Sulu Archipelago. Tan's half-brother, Nabil Tan, is Deputy Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process. He added that Tan's wife and Sulu Congressman Munir Arbison's wife are first cousins. His wife is also reportedly related to a wife of rogue Commander Malik. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ KENNEY